Stranger Things: Jamie Campbell Bower Reacts to Vecna’s “Snatched” Waist and Season 5 Transformation

Jamie Campbell Bower is fully embracing the internet’s fascination with Vecna—including the unexpected obsession with the villain’s surprisingly “snatched” waist.

As Stranger Things heads into its highly anticipated next chapter, Bower opened up about Vecna’s transformation, the viral fan reactions, and what it was like facing off against Will Byers in the series’ later episodes.

When asked about the online chatter surrounding Vecna’s slimmed-down silhouette, Bower responded with his signature dry humor. “I think I just wrote ‘Zumba,’” he joked when fans asked how it happened. “No, I mean—thank you. That’s my reaction. I appreciate it. He worked hard.”

Fans have even joked that Vecna needs to release his own workout routine, something Bower happily played along with. “In due time, I believe Vecna will be releasing a full-blown workout video,” he said, adding with a laugh that it would, of course, only be available on VHS to stay true to the show’s retro roots.

Beyond the humor, Bower reflected on the emotional weight of Stranger Things Season 5, particularly the shift in Vecna’s dynamic now that Will Byers—played by Noah Schnapp—has developed powers. “I always felt like there was unfinished business between Vecna and Will,” Bower explained. “So it just felt right.”

He described working with Schnapp as a deeply rewarding experience. “It was beautiful. It was really cool,” he said, recalling rehearsals where he wasn’t yet in full Vecna makeup. “I just remember thinking, ‘This is going to be what it needs to be.’ And it was. It really, really was.”

Fans will see that tension intensify in the upcoming episodes, particularly during a major scene set in the Wheeler house. Bower teased that Vecna reaches a breaking point when Will taps into his mind, calling the moment explosive and emotionally charged.

The emotional intensity wasn’t limited to filming. Bower also opened up about the show’s table reads for the final episodes, which he described as unforgettable. Due to illness, he had to attend one of the final table reads over Zoom while the rest of the cast gathered in Atlanta.

“It felt strangely fitting for a character who is so lonely and isolated,” he said. Watching the cast—many of whom he’s grown close to—break down in tears was overwhelming. “Matt and Ross were crying, then I started crying. It was just gorgeous.”

As for Vecna’s new look, Bower revealed that the transformation process has evolved. While Season 4 required up to seven hours in the makeup chair, the new season takes closer to four hours thanks to a blend of prosthetics and CGI.

“The movement you see is my movement,” he explained. “There’s a prosthetic from the chest up, prosthetic hands, and everything else is a motion-capture suit.” To preserve Vecna’s imposing presence, costume designer Amy Parris and the team incorporated football pads, posture adjustments, and even three-inch risers in his shoes to maintain the character’s towering stature.

Bower also reflected on his long history of playing dark and villainous roles, noting that each one has helped him better understand the psychology behind characters like Vecna. “It’s always about uncovering why people are the way they are,” he said. “That’s been a joy to explore.”

And will he take on something lighter after Vecna? “Sure—why not?” he laughed.

As for what’s coming next, Bower remained tight-lipped but offered one tantalizing tease: “Episode seven sets you up for a huge, explosive beginning to episode eight.”

For fans eagerly awaiting the conclusion of Stranger Things, it’s clear that Vecna—and Jamie Campbell Bower—aren’t done leaving their mark just yet.